Convertible roof bow tensioning apparatus

ABSTRACT

The preferred embodiment of a convertible roof bow tensioning apparatus includes a pliable roof cover, a top stack mechanism supporting the roof cover having at least one roof bow, and a roof bow tensioner for selectively reducing and increasing tension of the roof cover. Another aspect of the present invention provides a camming apparatus operably extending and retracting a roof bow relative to a remainder of a convertible top stack mechanism.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a divisional of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/836,313 filed on Apr. 30, 2004, which is incorporated by reference herein.

BACKGROUND AND SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates generally to automotive vehicle convertible roofs and more particularly to a convertible roof bow tensioning apparatus.

Traditional soft-top convertible roofs for automotive vehicles typically employ four or five roof bows spanning transversely across the vehicle for supporting a vinyl, canvas or polyester fiber, pliable roof cover. The roof bows extend between foldable side rails which can be automatically or manually raised and lowered. Many conventional soft-top convertible roofs inherently drift due to the stretched fabric cover pulling the forwardmost number one roof bow in an unintended and undesired rearward direction away from the front header when the roof is raised. This drifting situation is especially apparent in new convertible roofs or in cold weather. Accordingly, the vehicle occupant must then physically pull down upon a handle attached to the number one roof bow and hold it against the front header panel for subsequent manual latching, or an automated latch is employed with a difficult to package, extended reach. This drifting problem is also present between a rearmost or number five roof bow and an adjacent tonneau cover, when a hard-tonneau cover is employed to cover the convertible roof boot well. The stretched fabric cover tends to pull the number five roof bow in a forward manner thereby causing it to drift away from the mating tonneau cover. This five bow drift situation is inconvenient to remedy due to the difficulty of an occupant accessing this rear area when seated in the front seat.

Notwithstanding, the following U.S. patents disclose various systems which attempt to minimize the drift concern: U.S. Pat. No. 5,998,948 entitled “Convertible Roof Actuation Mechanism” which issued to Lange et al. on Dec. 7, 1999; U.S. Pat. No. 5,903,119 entitled “Convertible Roof Actuation Mechanism” which issued to Laurain et al. on May 11, 1999; and U.S. Pat. No. 5,385,381 entitled “Vehicle Roofs” which issued to Moore et al. on Jan. 31, 1995; these patents are incorporated by reference herein. While the Lange et al. and Laurain et al. patents are significant improvements in the field, further refinement of a convertible roof bow tensioning configuration is desirable in order to reduce packaging size and cost while improving performance and locational placement.

In accordance with the present invention, the preferred embodiment of a convertible roof bow tensioning apparatus includes a pliable roof cover, a top stack mechanism supporting the roof cover having at least one roof bow, and a roof bow tensioner for selectively reducing and increasing tension of the roof cover. Another aspect of the present invention provides a camming apparatus operably extending and retracting a roof bow relative to a remainder of a convertible top stack mechanism. In a further aspect of the present invention, a tensioning number two bow, three bow, four bow and/or five bow are provided. Still another aspect of the present invention employs a linearly moving apparatus operable to make a convertible roof cover taut and slack in order to reduce convertible roof drift.

The convertible roof bow tensioning apparatus of the present invention is advantageous over conventional constructions in that the present invention reduces drift of the raised convertible roof away from the front header panel and, alternately a tonneau cover, by selectively reducing and then increasing tension or tautness of the roof cover. Furthermore, packaging space of the stowed convertible roof is optimized in the storage compartment by selected reduction in height of a roof bow. Another advantage of the present invention is employment of the tensioner in tight packaging spaces for use with a number two bow or a number three bow, although it may also provide movement to a number four or five roof bow. Moreover, the present invention advantageously provides relatively simple mechanisms and movement directions (such as linear movement) thereby advantageously being easier to design, package and refine during assembly or for service. Additional advantages and features of the present invention will become apparent from the following description and appended claims, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIGS. 1 and 2 are fragmentary perspective views showing a first preferred embodiment of a convertible roof apparatus of the present invention;

FIGS. 3 and 4 are side diagrammatic views showing the first preferred embodiment convertible roof apparatus in fully raised and partially retracted positions, respectively;

FIGS. 5 and 6 are side diagrammatic views showing the first preferred embodiment convertible roof apparatus in advanced-taut and retracted-slack conditions, respectively;

FIGS. 7 and 8 are perspective, diagrammatic views showing the first preferred embodiment convertible roof apparatus in advanced-taut and retracted-slack conditions, respectively;

FIG. 9 is a diagrammatic side view showing the first preferred embodiment convertible roof apparatus of the present invention in a raised position;

FIGS. 10 and 11 are perspective views showing the first preferred embodiment convertible roof apparatus in fully raised and fully retracted positions, respectively;

FIG. 12 is a diagrammatic side view showing a second preferred embodiment convertible roof apparatus in a fully raised position;

FIGS. 13 and 14 are perspective views showing the second preferred embodiment convertible roof apparatus in fully raised and partially retracted positions, respectively;

FIG. 15 is a diagrammatic side view showing a third preferred embodiment convertible roof apparatus in a fully raised position;

FIGS. 16 and 17 are perspective views showing the third preferred embodiment convertible roof apparatus in fully raised and partially retracted positions, respectively; and

FIG. 18 is a diagrammatic side view showing an alternate embodiment convertible roof apparatus in an advanced-taut condition.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

An automotive vehicle 51 having a convertible roof system of the present invention is shown in FIGS. 1-3. The convertible roof system employs a convertible roof 53 defined by a foldable top stack mechanism 55 which is externally covered by a pliable or flexible, soft-top cover 57, and a glass or PVC backlite or back window 59. Top stack mechanism 55 will be described hereinafter with regard to the right-hand side of the automotive vehicle as the majority of components are in mirrored symmetry on the left-hand side. Top stack mechanism 55 includes a front side roof rail 61, a center side roof rail 63 and a rear side roof rail 65. Side rails 61, 63 and 65 are all structural members which are elongated in a primarily fore-and-aft direction when in the fully raised position shown in FIGS. 1, 2, 3 and 5. FIG. 4 illustrates top stack mechanism 55 in a partially raised/partially retracted position.

A pivotal hinge 71 and a pair of pivotally coupled, diagonal links 73 and 75 define a four-bar B-pivot joint 77 between front side rail 61 and center side rail 63. A control link 79 has a first end pivotally coupled at the intersection of diagonal links 73 and 75 and has an opposite end pivotally connected to an upper and forward corner of rear side rail 65. An elongated balance link 81 has a first end pivotally coupled to a rearwardly projecting arm 83 extending from center side rail 63. An opposite end of balance link 81 has a pivot 85 pivotally coupled to a stationary bracket 87 affixed to an inner quarter panel of the vehicle body 89 or the like. Thus, the intersections between control link 79 to rear side rail 65 and arm 83 of center side rail 63 to balance link 81 define a C-pivot joint 91 between center side rail 63 and rear side rail 65. A reinforcement 93 has an upper end securely affixed to a lower section of rear side rail 65. An opposite end of reinforcement 93 is securely mounted to a sector gear 95, which in turn, is enmeshed with an output gear 97 automatically driven by an electric motor actuator 99. Alternately, top stack mechanism 55 can be automatically driven by a hydraulic actuator or even manually driven by the vehicle user without an actuator. A D-pivot joint 100 is defined at the lower interface between rear side rail 65 and bracket 87 rotatably coupled thereto.

A forwardmost and number one roof bow 101 extends in a primarily cross-vehicle direction. Similarly, a number two roof bow 103 extends between the right-hand and left-hand side rail assemblies adjacent B-joint 77. Additionally number two 103, number three 104 and number four 106 cross-vehicle roof bows 104 and extend between the roof rail assemblies, and an optional number five roof bow (see FIG. 9) may be provided along the rearmost edge of the convertible roof in an alternate embodiment. All of the roof bows are elongated structural members which support and are attached to pliable cover 57. An A-joint 105 is provided at a pivotal intersection between number one roof bow 101 and front side rail 61 for an outfolding convertible roof. Furthermore, an electric motor actuated, front header latch 153 is mounted to number one bow 101 wherein a latching hook is engagable with a striker mounted to a front header, body panel of the vehicle prior to full tensioning of cover 57.

Referring now to FIGS. 9-11, a first preferred embodiment of the present invention apparatus provides a passively driven roof bow tensioner 201. A linearly sliding rod or bar 651 is movable in a passageway within center side rail 63. In a B-joint locking, optional variation useful with an outfolding roof, bar 691 is moved into engagement with a receptacle 653 located in front side rail 61, as shown in FIG. 10, when the convertible roof is in its raised position, or disengaged therefrom when in its lowered position, as shown in FIG. 11. The variation without joint locking is shown in FIGS. 5 and 6. A push link 653 has one end connected to an upstanding tab 655 affixed to bar 651 which is linearly slidable within a center side rail slot 657. An opposite end of push link 653 is rotatably coupled to a downwardly extending flange 659 attached to control link 79. A lost motion connection is provided between an elongated slot 681 internal to control link 79 and an interfacing follower pin 683 attached to an end of drive link 551. Drive link 551 has its opposite end affixed to rear side rail 65 through an extension or bracket. Thus, bar 651 is selectively moved an initial amount prior to or after significant movement of the corresponding joint between the side rails and remaining top stack mechanism.

Tensioner 201 further includes a camming block, having an exterior camming surface 203, which is affixed to bar 651 by a flange 205. Camming surface 203 includes an upper flat surface 207 and a leading, acutely angled ramp surface 209, as can best be observed in FIGS. 5-8. Thus, camming surface 203 linearly advances and retracts with bar 651.

A lower edge 211 of number two roof bow 103 acts as a cam follower when it rides along camming surface 203 thereby selectively raising and lowering number two roof bow 103 in the process which tensions and removes tension from (add slack to) roof cover 57, respectively. A connecting link 213, which can have a variety of shapes and attachment points depending on the vehicle, pivotally couples number two roof bow 103 to center side rail 63, while still allowing roof bow movement. Thus, linear bar action causes generally vertical movement of the number two roof bow separately from the remainder of the top stack mechanism movement.

Reference should now be made to FIGS. 12-14. A second preferred embodiment system employs a passively driven tensioning configuration with a driving link 551 having a first pivot 553 pivotally coupled to and driven by rear side rail 65. An opposite pivot 555 of driving link 551 is coupled to and drives control link 79, which in turn, causes rotation of front side rail 61 relative to center side rail 63. A central pivot 557 of drive link 551 is coupled to a push rod 559 at one end while an opposite end is coupled to an elongated rod or bar 561 at pivot 563. A fulcrum-like pivot 558 rotatably couples driving link 551 to an arm rearwardly projecting from center side rail 63. Accordingly, normal movement of the top stack mechanism and convertible roof from the partially raised position shown in FIG. 14, to the fully raised, shown in FIGS. 12 and 13, causes bar 561 to be linearly extended in a generally fore-and-aft direction for optional snug engagement within a joint-locking receptacle 565 in front side rail 61 while moving a camming surface 251 attached to bar 561. Camming surface 251 movement tensions and adds slack to cover 57 due to movement of number two bow 103 as with the prior embodiment. A lost motion coupling, such as the slotted one previously disclosed, may be needed depending upon geometric motions and movement timing required of the top stack mechanism on a vehicle-to-vehicle basis.

Furthermore, FIGS. 15-17 disclose a third preferred embodiment system of the present invention employing another passive tensioning configuration. In this construction, a linearly moving rod or bar 601 slides in a generally fore-and-aft direction within a passageway internal to center side rail 63. As a joint-locking option, a distal end of bar 601 is received within a mating receptacle 603 disposed in front side rail 61, when in its locking condition with the convertible roof fully raised. Bar 601 is pivotally coupled to and driven by drive arm 551, and possibly an intermediate push rod if needed, which is affixed to rear side rail 65 for concurrent movement therewith. An upstanding tab 605 projects from the middle portion of bar 601 and freely slides within an elongated slot 607 in center side rail 63. Tab 605 concurrently moves with bar 601 and operably drives control link 79 in order to operate B-joint 77 when bar 601 is withdrawn. A camming surface 608 of a camming block is affixed to and moves with bar 601 in order to raise and lower a cam follower end of number two roof bow 103. A lost motion pivot and slot coupling may be required at a connection 609 between tab 605 and control link 79, at a connection 611 between bar 601 and arm 551, and/or at another suitable location in order to allow some initial joint unlocking and/or untensioning movement before the B-joint is rotated or header latch is activated.

Referring now to FIG. 18, a first alternate embodiment convertible roof system employs a tensioner 500 system having an electromagnetic solenoid 501 coupled to center side rail 63 for operably locking B-joint 77. Solenoid 501 includes coiled wire and a linearly movable plunger acting as or coupled to a bar 505. An outer conductive can or solenoid housing can be employed and a compression spring is located in the aperture within the conductive wire for operably biasing bar 505 in an outwardly extending and tensioning orientation. A slotted camming surface 509 is located internal to a plate 511 affixed to and moveable with bar 505, within an open slot of center side rail 63 (like that shown in FIG. 10). A cam follower pin 513 is attached to number two roof bow 103 and acts to raise and lower roof bow 103 and tension or untension cover 57 in response to bar 505 movement in a generally perpendicular direction to the roof bow. Accordingly, energization of the solenoid wire electromagnetically advances and retracts bar 505 in an actively driven manner. A microprocessor control unit for the convertible roof will automatically cause the solenoid to be appropriately energized or deenergized depending on the sensed position of the convertible roof and/or the vehicle user control signals sent for raising or lowering the convertible roof. It should be appreciated that this solenoid-type and/or internally enclosed camming arrangement can be employed with any of the tensioning systems disclosed herein.

While various embodiments of the convertible roof bow tensioning apparatus have been disclosed herein, it should be appreciated that other aspects of the systems can be employed within the present invention. For example, any of the tensioning configurations disclosed herein can be used for any of the roof bows (for example, the number three and four bows) within the top stack mechanism of a convertible roof. Furthermore, the tensioning systems described herein can be employed for straight folding convertible roofs as well as outfolding ones. It should also be appreciated that biasing devices and/or actuators can be moved to reverse the driven direction of cam movement. Moreover, additional or substitute linkage assembly configurations are useable although some of the advantages of the present invention may not be realized. It should be appreciated that alternate lost motion couplings and camming devices may be provided. Furthermore, the cams and driving bars can be positioned on the front side rail and actuated by manually or automatically driven front header latches, or may be mounted on the rear side rail. Also, the cams and cam followers can be reversed as packaging allows, and a cable may replace bar 651. Alternate joint locking and moveable bar devices that can be also used for tensioning are disclosed in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/836,322, entitled “Joint Locking Device for a Convertible Roof System” (Attorney Docket No. 5362-000464), invented by Arthur MacNee, et al., and filed on the same date as the present application; this application is incorporated by reference herein. While various materials and shapes have been disclosed, it should be appreciated that various other shapes and materials can be employed. It is intended by the following claims to cover these and any other departures from the disclosed embodiments which fall within the true spirit of this invention. 

1. An automotive vehicle convertible roof comprising: a top stack mechanism movable from a raised position to a lowered position; a soft-top cover spanning above and operably moving with the top stack mechanism; a tensioner coupled to the top stack mechanism and movable in a substantially linear direction to selectively add and reduce tension of the cover; and an actuator actively moving the tensioner between advanced and retracted positions.
 2. The convertible roof of claim 1 wherein the actuator further comprises an electromagnetic device.
 3. The convertible roof of claim 2 further comprising a linkage assembly coupling the actuator to the tensioner.
 4. The convertible roof of claim 1 further comprising at least one elongated member and a lost motion connection movably coupling the actuator to the tensioner.
 5. The convertible roof of claim 4 wherein the actuator also operably drives the top stack mechanism between the raised and lowered positions.
 6. The convertible roof of claim 1 wherein the top stack mechanism includes a number two roof bow which is operably raised and lowered by movement of the tensioner.
 7. The convertible roof of claim 1 wherein the top stack mechanism includes a number three roof bow which is operably raised and lowered by movement of the tensioner.
 8. The convertible roof of claim 1 wherein the tensioner includes a camming surface operably converts linear movement of the tensioner to substantially vertical movement of the adjacent portion of the cover.
 9. A method of operating an automotive vehicle having a convertible roof and a body member, the convertible roof including a pliable cover and a roof bow, the method comprising: (a) raising the convertible roof from an open position to a closed position; (b) latching the convertible roof to the body panel after step (a); (c) moving a member in a substantially horizontal direction; and (d) moving the roof bow in a substantially vertical direction in response to step (c); and (e) increasing tautness of the roof cover in response to step (d) substantially after step (b).
 10. The method of claim 9 further comprising camming the roof bow from a lowered position to a raised position in response to movement of the member substantially after the convertible roof has been moved to its closed position.
 11. The method of claim 9 further comprising energizing an electromagnetic device which causes movement of the member.
 12. The method of claim 9 further comprising rotation of a top stack linkage assembly and roof rails at least partially moving the member.
 13. The method of claim 9 wherein the body panel is a stationary front header panel.
 14. The method of claim 9 wherein the roof bow is a number two roof bow and the member operably moves in a substantially fore-and-aft direction when causing the number two roof bow to increase tautness of the roof cover.
 15. The method of claim 9 further comprising moving the member relative to a center side rail of the convertible roof, the member being coupled to the center side rail.
 16. A method of operating a convertible roof, the convertible roof including an outer roof surface and a structural roof member, the method comprising: (a) raising the convertible roof from an open position to a closed position; (b) moving a tensioner in a substantially linear direction; (c) moving the structural roof member in response to step (b); and (d) increasing tautness of the outer roof surface in response to step (c) when the remainder of the convertible roof is substantially stationary.
 17. The method of claim 16 further comprising camming the structural roof member from a lowered position to a raised position in response to movement of the tensioner substantially after the convertible roof has been moved to its closed position.
 18. The method of claim 16 further comprising energizing an electromagnetic device which causes movement of the tensioner.
 19. The method of claim 16 further comprising rotation of a top stack linkage assembly and roof rails at least partially moving the tensioner.
 20. The method of claim 16 wherein the structural roof member is a roof bow and the outer roof surface is defined by a soft-top roof cover.
 21. The method of claim 16 wherein the structural roof member is a number two roof bow and the tensioner includes a cam which operably moves in a substantially fore-and-aft direction when causing the number two roof bow to increase tautness of the outer roof surface.
 22. The method of claim 16 further comprising moving the tensioner relative to a center side rail of the convertible roof, the tensioner being coupled to the center side rail. 